Is an East Africa Tourist Visa Valid Across Multiple Countries?

When planning a trip to the heart of Africa, one of the most fascinating and practical discoveries for travelers is the East Africa Tourist Visa — a regional visa that simplifies travel between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. For years, visitors to East Africa had to apply separately for visas in each country, often enduring long queues, paperwork, and additional expenses. But now, this harmonized visa has made exploring the region’s rich tapestry of wildlife, culture, and landscapes far easier and more cost-effective.

In this detailed guide, we explore everything you need to know about the East Africa Tourist Visa — where it applies, how long it lasts, its benefits, application procedures, and practical tips to help you make the most of your safari adventure across multiple East African nations.

Understanding the East Africa Tourist Visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV) is a special travel document jointly issued by the Republic of Uganda, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Kenya. It was created as a product of the East African Community’s commitment to regional integration and tourism growth.

This single visa allows tourists to travel freely between these three member countries without the need to apply for separate visas at each border. Once issued, it functions as a multiple-entry visa across the region, valid for 90 consecutive days (three months) from the date of issue.

What makes the East Africa Tourist Visa especially appealing is that it’s not just a legal convenience — it’s a gateway to one of the most ecologically and culturally diverse corners of the world. Within a single trip, you can trek gorillas in Uganda’s misty Bwindi forests, experience the Great Migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and wander through Rwanda’s rolling hills — all under one unified visa.

Where the Visa is Valid

As of now, the East Africa Tourist Visa is valid in three East African Community member states: Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Once you have entered one of these countries with the East Africa Tourist Visa, you can travel to the other two without having to apply for any additional visas. However, it’s essential to understand that the visa is valid only within these three countries.

If you wish to travel to Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, you’ll need separate visas for those destinations, as they are not yet part of the East Africa Tourist Visa agreement.

How It Works

The East Africa Tourist Visa operates as a joint initiative — but it must be applied for through the country you plan to visit first. This country then becomes the “issuing country,” and it will stamp your visa for entry.

For instance, if you start your trip in Uganda, you’ll apply for and receive your East Africa Tourist Visa from Uganda’s immigration authorities. You can then travel freely to Kenya and Rwanda without any additional visa requirements during your 90-day stay.

The visa will, however, expire automatically once you leave the bloc — meaning that if you travel outside Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda (for example, to Tanzania), the East Africa Tourist Visa becomes invalid, and you’ll need to reapply upon return.

Duration and Validity

The East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for 90 consecutive days (three months) from the date of issue. During this period, travelers are allowed to enter and re-enter any of the participating countries as many times as they wish.

It’s important to note that the visa cannot be extended or renewed. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a new one if you wish to continue your travels within the region.

Additionally, the visa is strictly for tourism purposes — meaning it cannot be used for employment, study, or long-term residency.

Cost of the East Africa Tourist Visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa costs USD 100 per person. This is a significant saving compared to purchasing separate visas for each country, which would otherwise cost around USD 50 per country — a total of USD 150 or more for three separate applications.

By choosing the East Africa Tourist Visa, you save money, avoid unnecessary delays, and enjoy seamless travel between Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Payment can be made online during the application process or at the respective immigration offices, depending on the country through which you apply.

How to Apply

Applying for the East Africa Tourist Visa is straightforward. Travelers can apply either online (e-visa application) or in person at a diplomatic mission or entry point, depending on the issuing country.

Here’s a general step-by-step process (though details may vary slightly between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda):

1. Choose your entry country.
   Decide which of the three participating countries you’ll visit first. This determines where you’ll apply.

2. Visit the official immigration portal.
   For Uganda, applications are made through the Uganda Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC) website.
   For Kenya, through the eCitizen portal.
   For Rwanda, through the Irembo platform.

3. Complete the application form.
   You’ll provide personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and proof of funds for your stay.

4. Upload supporting documents.
   You’ll need:

   • A passport-size photo

   • A valid passport (with at least six months validity)

   • Return ticket or proof of onward travel

   • Travel itinerary (especially if your trip covers multiple countries)

   • Accommodation confirmation (such as hotel bookings)

5. Pay the visa fee (USD 100).

6. Wait for approval.
   Approval can take anywhere from 3 to 7 working days, though some travelers receive their visa within 48 hours.

7. Receive your visa.
   You’ll be issued an electronic visa (PDF format) or a visa sticker upon arrival, depending on the country and mode of application.

Benefits of the East Africa Tourist Visa

The East Africa Tourist Visa offers a wealth of advantages for regional travelers, especially safari lovers and cultural explorers.

1. Seamless Cross-Border Travel
You can move freely between Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda without reapplying for entry each time. This makes planning multi-country safaris simpler and faster.

2. Cost-Effective
At just USD 100, it’s cheaper than obtaining three separate visas — saving both time and money.

3. Multiple Entry
It’s a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to explore different parts of the region at your own pace within 90 days.

4. Boost to Regional Tourism
The visa promotes cross-border tourism and collaboration between partner nations, enriching travelers’ experiences.

5. Easy Access to Diverse Experiences
Within a single visa, you can experience gorilla trekking in Uganda, Maasai culture in Kenya, and the scenic beauty of Rwanda’s thousand hills — all without interruption.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Before you set off on your East African adventure, here are a few important travel tips to help you get the most from your East Africa Tourist Visa:

• Start with your entry country. The visa must be issued by the country you’ll first enter. Plan your flight or land entry accordingly.

• Keep digital and printed copies of your visa with you during travel. Border officials may ask for verification.

• Plan your itinerary wisely. Since the visa expires when you exit the three-country bloc, ensure all your destinations fall within Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

• Health and vaccination requirements vary by country, so ensure you carry a valid yellow fever vaccination card.

• Respect local customs and laws across borders; though these nations are closely linked, each has its own regulations.

• Book through a reputable safari operator who can coordinate transport, border paperwork, and permits — especially for activities like gorilla trekking or cross-border safaris.

Why This Visa Makes East Africa a Dream Destination

The East Africa Tourist Visa is more than a convenience — it’s a symbol of unity and hospitality in a region that celebrates diversity. Travelers who once faced complicated border formalities can now journey effortlessly through vast savannahs, mountain rainforests, and crater lakes — all on a single visa.

Imagine flying into Entebbe (Uganda), spending a week tracking gorillas in Bwindi, then crossing into Rwanda to explore the vibrant culture of Kigali and the volcanic peaks of Volcanoes National Park. From there, a short hop to Kenya brings you face to face with the Big Five in the Masai Mara, or the breathtaking views of Mount Kenya — all under one unified travel document.

This harmony between nations allows you to experience the full essence of East Africa — from its people and traditions to its wildlife and landscapes — without the hassle of bureaucracy. For anyone seeking a holistic, borderless African journey, the East Africa Tourist Visa is your golden ticket.

Conclusion: Explore East Africa Without Borders

So, is an East Africa Tourist Visa valid across multiple countries?
Absolutely — and it’s one of the smartest, most traveler-friendly initiatives in African tourism today. It grants you unrestricted movement across Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya for 90 days, all on a single visa worth USD 100.

Whether you’re planning to follow the path of mountain gorillas through misty jungles, witness the thunder of the Great Migration across endless plains, or explore the serene hills and lakes of Rwanda, this regional visa allows you to do it all in one unforgettable journey.

For the best experience, let professionals handle your travel logistics. Book your East African adventure with Muhiga Safaris, a trusted safari specialist with deep expertise in cross-border itineraries. From visa guidance and border coordination to luxurious lodge bookings and personalized safaris, Muhiga Safaris ensures your journey across East Africa is smooth, safe, and truly memorable.